Green oases of Zagreb

Green Horseshoe

The Lenuci Horseshoe (Lenucijeva potkova), also known as the Lenuzzi Horseshoe and the Green Horseshoe (Zelena potkova), is a sequence of seven squares and the Botanical Garden, whose shape resembles a horseshoe from bird's eye-view. In the area between the then Academic Square and the Royal Hungarian State Railway Station, the Franz Joseph Square was built in 1895, known today as King Tomislav Square, or Tomislavac. This part of the Lenuci Horseshoe is adorned by the most beautiful park in Zagreb, Zrinjevac Park, as well as one of the most beautiful meadows in Zagreb on King Tomislav Square, and the beautiful and intimate Josip Juraj Strossmayer Square. This stretch is ideal for a morning walk and getting to know the center of Zagreb, after which you will surely realize that you have chosen well when you decided to live and work in our city.

Tuškanac 

Tuškanac is one of the most beautiful park forests in Zagreb. You only have to turn from the busy Ilica into Dežmanov prolaz, then uphill to the left behind Saloon, and suddenly you will find yourself in the realm of forest shade. The noise of the tram is replaced by the sounds of singing birds, and the busy streets by the greenery of century-old trees. The only company you will have is an occasional walker. The forest area is surrounded by a residential part, quiet streets with some of the most beautiful Zagreb summer houses and villas from the beginning of the 20th century. Nearby you can enjoy Dubravkin put, a hiking trail about two kilometers long, Rokov perivoj, a secluded park with elegant old houses of exceptional architectural value, and Cmrok hill, a popular picnic area in summer and a sledding run in winter. 

Bundek

Today, Lake Bundek is a spacious and beautifully landscaped park in Novi Zagreb, along the southern bank of the Sava River. The Great Lake turns into a beach in the summer, and the Little Lake is reserved only for animals, mostly birds. Unlike Lake Jarun, which is more sports-oriented, Bundek is a small family paradise. Large children's playgrounds, plenty of space for picnics and barbecues, and a bike and rollerblading trail is all you need for a quality day spent in nature. 

Jarun

Jarun was landscaped as part of the preparations for the Universiade in 1987, but soon became a real lake and a modern sports and recreation center, the largest and most popular gathering place on the west side of the city. On the one hand, Jarun is firmly associated with sports –a rowing track is in the center and it is surrounded by sports facilities and fields. On the other hand, the Small Lake and the Great Lake are a pleasant alternative to the sea for many residents of Zagreb during the summer. In summer, a good part of Zagreb's nightlife moves to Jarun's clubs and cafes. The lake is also suitable for fishing, and old fishermen will gladly tell you the legend of the giant catfish Juri. There are four islets on the lake. The Isle of Youth (Otok hrvatske mladeži) is large enough to host concerts, and is best known for hosting the INmusic festival. The circular path around Jarun is about 6 kilometers long and divided into a section for cyclists and rollerbladers and a section for pedestrians, both of which are regularly widely used. From extreme activities such as triathlon training to complete peace in the form of a picnic on a blanket, you are welcome to enjoy everything that the Jarun Riviera has to offer.

Maksimir

Maksimir has been a green oasis and the pride of Zagreb since 1794, when it was opened as the first public park in Southeast Europe. In addition to meadows made for picnics, numerous trails and paths, rich forest sections and five lakes, Maksimir also boasts valuable artistic monuments and architectural buildings, such as the Echo Pavilion, the Lookout, the Mogila or the Swiss House. Since 1925, it has been home to the Zagreb Zoo, the oldest one in this part of Europe. When it comes to sports activities, it is ideal for jogging or cycling, and a walk through this beautiful park is perfect for those who prefer a slower pace.

Botanical Garden 

The Botanical Garden was founded in 1889, and nowadays it is protected as a monument of park architecture. It was designed in the style of an English park, with elements such as ponds and bridges, artificial hills, even artificial caves. The greenhouse and the exhibition pavilion are examples of historicism, and the whole garden exudes the elegance of bygone times. The arboretum stretches over three hectares and more than 5,000 plant species live in this small area, some of which are very rare and exotic. You can find peace in this beautiful and almost unreal oasis of the most diverse plants from all over the world. 

Jelenovac 

Jelenovac is an elite hill town settlement, located about ten minutes of walk from Ilica. Forest park Jelenovac is one of the 22 parks in Zagreb, stretching over 48.9 ha. A mixed forest grows in the park, mostly oak, beech, hornbeam and locusts. One of Zagreb's streams – Jelenovac – springs in the forest. It is ideal for walks and pet lovers.

Sava River 

Sava offers numerous opportunities for leisure after a hard day's work. After the construction of the embankment due to the great flood in 1964, the shores became a large promenade and a favorite terrain for recreationists. Fishing is also allowed in some parts. With the construction of nearby settlements, parks, sports fields, and most of all with the landscaping of lakes Jarun and Bundek, Sava has become an increasingly active participant in city life. When the people of Zagreb get the urge to move under the open sky, the Sava embankment becomes one of their favorite places. Similar to Maksimir or Jarun, it is ideal for running and cycling enthusiasts. 

Sljeme 

A trip to Sljeme is an indispensable ritual for many Zagreb residents. If you choose to join them, you will soon become like a real Zagreb citizen. Although the top and various other points can be reached by car, public transport, and soon again by cable car, most people will choose hiking. From the western to the eastern end, or rather from the Zagreb to the Zagorje side, the mountain is about 40 kilometers long and about 6 kilometers wide, and abounds in well-maintained hiking and educational trails. Surely anyone can find a trail that suits them best based on their skill set and interest. That is why Medvednica is always, especially on weekends, full of different walkers, runners and hikers of all profiles – from families with children and dogs, groups of retired people, students in field classes, to serious recreationists and professional athletes. About 70 trails have been marked, and some of the most popular are the educational trails Bliznec and Miroslavec, Leustekova trail and Bikčevićeva trail, Šumarev put (Forester's path) or Horvatove stube (Horvat's stairs).

Gruntek

If you want to embark on a real green adventure that will literally bear fruit, we recommend Gruntek. Thanks to Gruntek, future gardeners will be able to grow eco-vegetables with the help of reliable farmers, thus ensuring a better and healthier future for themselves and their loved ones. The gardens on Gruntek are intended for the citizens of Zagreb who want to have an eco-garden full of healthy and fragrant vegetables, and a place to rest and relax. Gruntek is located in the vicinity of Čazma, just an hour away from Zagreb – close enough to and far enough from the city. You can rent a garden for a year on www.mojgruntek.hr. The price of HRK 199 (approx. EUR 26) per month includes tillage and organic cultivation of selected vegetables throughout the season. After renting, the garden user has their own platform where they can choose 8 types of vegetables.